“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” –Luke 18:16

There were false accusations.

There was so much to explain to save the day.

There were loved ones, true believers, looking on confused and despairing.

“But Jesus gave no answer.” –Luke 23:9

When I think “But Jesus,” I’m usually calling for His might and strength and power. I want to share that there was a big challenge- but Jesus overcame it. Or that I had a big question- but Jesus gave the answer.

But Jesus often doesn’t do what worldly wisdom says makes sense.

We’re called to live this kind of “but” too.

There is the temptation to aim for greatness.

There is the suggestion that greatness means we can do more for Jesus.

There is a false belief that God’s main goal for us is to feel great.

“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” –Luke 22:26

There is a drive to always be improving on everything.

There is value placed on the new, changing, and evolving.

There is a dismissal of old ways as lesser and old convictions as ignorant.

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” –2 Timothy 3:14 (see 2 Timothy 4:5 also)

There is a myth that pursuing money is a necessary evil.

There is acceptance that discontent is a good motivator and lust an effective change-agent.

There is a push for flattery, pride, and selfishness being requirements for surviving this world.

So often I sense God telling me to do the thing that seems counter-intuitive, and this post gives me words for thinking that through–as well as a very short but sweet and memorable way of keeping my focus: “But Jesus.”